This spring, JORD watch company collaborated with me for a giveaway. They gave me a really cool watch to review and a chance for my readers to win $100 gift code to be used on their site. PLUS they're giving away consolation code worth $25 for everyone who will join the contest! Lucky us, right? This is a sponsored content, however, all opinions and comments are mine and guaranteed to be 100% genuine.

First of all, I don't accept sponsored posts from brands that I don't personally like or believe in. When Stacy from JORD watches found my profile on Instagram, (YES, Instagram is a great platform for brands to connect with you!) I immediately filled out the media kit they gave me and excitedly waited for my watch to arrive.

What caught my attention is their choice of material. Their watches are made of wood! How amazing is that?

Nature meets function

One thing I realized when traveling especially during spring time is nature's effortless magic to make you feel at home and at ease no matter how stressful you think you may be. Have you ever felt that way? Like when you go to the beach or a park, or go on a trail to hike and climb mountains, you feel like your stress level just drops to the ground even with those added activities? You are not just "wanting an escape." It is your body telling you that being one with nature is actually good for you.

Did you know that exposure to plants, trees, and other living things has real and measurable health and wellbeing benefits? It helps lower heart rate and stress responses and encourages greater interaction between people. (source)

I admire the concept of having a wood watch because you can be reminded all the TIME that nature is within reach. *pun intended*

Let me share you a research I found when I was reading a health-related magazine. As a travel nurse, I need to be updated with news and researches because the interventional approach in my field is always advancing. Numerous studies by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan showed that access to nature, even only visually,improves concentration. Roger Ulrich’s subsequent studies using physiological measures showed a reduction in stress and increase in positive feelings in subjects shown images of nature versus images of cities. This supports work in environmental psychology that argues that nature allows for a soft fascination that can restore attentional benefits and concentration.

The thing about us is that our human connection with other living systems innately binds us through our familiarity with similar life cycles and natural rhythms, and mediates our sense of understanding in times of stress. Oftentimes positive distractions and elements of surprise and wonder, which nature so vividly provides, offer a respite from the anxieties that are apparent in our everyday lives. And what happens when our stress is low? Our productivity peaks.

Nature meets design

The fact that wood is already a timeless piece makes the whole thing look like a work of art. Each tree is different. Every line and growth rings pattern is unique. It takes a long time for a tree to build its naturally beautiful form, and whenever it does, somehow it still changes. It's not only aesthetically pleasing, it also represents the changing time. Isn't it a wonderful metaphor to have on your wrist?

When they laid out my options for the kind of wood I wanted, I took the time to read each material. I wanted to know where it came from, whether it's responsibly sourced or not, things like that. I LOVE to READ stuff and it's an abomination not to absorb everything before I choose. I was satisfied with everything so I picked the one that highly speaks to me.

I got this Zebrawood and Champagne watch, Frankie 35 series because the color just stands out and the size was perfect for my small wrist. Maybe some of you would love the big ones, they have those, too. Another thing that I like is that when you go to their website, you can read about the wood that they use for each watch. They have tons of variety and you'll just fall in love with every single one of them.

Native to West Africa, Zebrawood offers a striking grain contrast and exceptional finish. Although the growth rings are very pronounced, the wood occurs naturally with both large grain and fine grain patterns. Zebrawood is considered a luxury hardwood and is most commonly used in veneer application. JORD uses only whole wood stock to create our Zebrawood watches. -JORD website

They even have a fact widget on the bottom part that tells you about the height of the tree, its shrinkage percentage, dried weight, and all those numerical infos. I am amazed how they put too much effort in the details, which is a good sign for a brand that wants to make a mark.

Speaking of details, let me show you close-up photos of my watch. I LOVE the TEXTURE, you guys. It's just classic.

The rough look and streaks appear sophisticated, right? This one is priced at $179 which looks fair to me. It may appear heavy but it's not. It's lightweight and you can barely feel that you're wearing it. The packaging is gorgeous and functionality wise, it is well thought of. If you decided to buy one, you need to consider that the biggest enemy of wood is sudden changes in temperature and humidity. This means if you leave your watch in a car on a hot sunny day, the high temperature has the ability to swell the wood and cause it to crack. Same with leaving it in the car on a particularly cold day or night, the cold will shrink the wood, putting pressure against the glass and pins and could cause breakage at those points. However, the set comes with a 2-way humidity control pack that offers up to 1 month of effect. Plus a custom-formulated cleaning oil specifically created for wood watches.

This may come as a downside to you but for me, it actually teaches you to take care of things. That, in order for you to maintain the quality of what you have, you need to invest time in them. This doesn't only apply to watches but to people as well.

Jord watches also feature stainless steel clasps that are easy to manipulate. Just press on the side, and viola, ready to wear. If I'm going to make a suggestion or upgrade to them, it's the ability to resize it without bringing it to a professional. Or an option to change the watch bands. I think people love it more when they can customize things and make them their own. BUT did I tell you JORD watches now offer engraving? YAAASSSS. PEOPLE. YAAAAASSSS.

This makes it perfect for gift giving! *Father's Day coming* Mother's Day coming*

You can put a message on the back and write something important to you. It can be a message, a name, your favorite quotation, or even a logo if you intend to give it to your team members or colleagues.

This review won't be complete if I didn't try it for a whole day OUTDOORS. I actually enjoyed wearing it under the sun because it complements very well with keeping the spring vibe alive and blooming. Oh, how I love the McAllen weather!

Overall, I love the timeless appeal of this watch and it truly makes an amazing addition to your spring accessories.

Every one of us has a story of transformation you wish you could tell to everybody. It may be about your experiences or about other people who somehow touched your life in an extraordinary way.

Art by Ruby Faber. High resolution art print discounted at $20. Click here for more info.

Here's a story that changed my perspective on some things:

I met someone who’s covered in tattoos, and whose face was accentuated by ear and nose rings. His hair warned me that nobody is allowed to touch it, or else you’d die of tetany or something more bloody. However, as we exchanged stories, I learned that he’s just like me. We both love how humans can be beautiful despite flaws and awkward idiosyncrasies.

I asked myself, “What is wrong with pieces of metals on one’s body?”

I smiled and remembered my patients. I recalled how many cardiac patients have pacemakers installed inside their chest. I thought of titanium pieces that are used to sculpt destroyed faces after traumatic road accidents. I visualized how those weird-looking screws and silver sockets make up for an amputated foot or a broken arm. They are metals, too. They are body alterations, too. They may not be of personal intent or “just like it” rationale, but how sure are we that people with tattoos and piercings don’t need healing?

"Maybe they use those pieces to heal, too. Maybe the pain they gained from them represents the pain nobody knew they have."

Out of many tattoos he has, a cool and detailed image of a doll on his wrist caught my attention. Quite intrigued and amazed, I asked, “Is that a Russian doll or a cartoon from somewhere I don’t know?”

He instantly answered with a Mexican pitch, “Ya, it’s a Russian doll. Matryoshka.”

I looked at him, then he added, “That’s the favorite toy of my daughter.”

A pause slowed his story.“She died last year,” he gasped.

“This is hers, too,” he mentioned while pointing at a scarlet gem on his left ear. All at once I was out of words. I didn’t even have the courage to ask about his other stories— those tales of chains, and names, and faces beautifully crafted on his skin. I didn’t have to ask. He tells without saying.

As a nurse who deals with pain on a daily basis, pain unknown and untold always rings red.

And this is just one story.

So somehow this story changed my perspective on how I view people with different styles and preferences. Coming from a traditional family, going out of my comfort zone is not that encouraged. We were always told people with piercings and tattoos are "bad influence." Before you raise your eyebrow, THIS IS NO WAY MY THINKING ANYMORE. What made way? One encounter. One story.

When I shared this story from last year, I omitted a very important detail. YES, I posted this exact story on my Facebook account way, way back. The story doesn't end there. The girl died from rape. I didn't disclose it before because it was a more sensitive topic to discuss than "tattoo preferences." BUT I am sharing this with you so YOU CAN TAKE ACTION ON THINGS THAT TRULY MATTER.

What if I tell you that your voice can CHANGE how society treats WOMEN?

Every person - women, men and non-binary people - can play a part in helping drive better outcomes for women. Through meaningful celebration and targeted bold action, we can all be responsive and responsible leaders in creating a more gender inclusive world. The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won't close entirely until 2186. This is too long to wait. So around the world, March is celebrated as Women's History Month to provide an important opportunity for ground breaking action that can truly drive greater change for women.

So here's how YOU can help to shorten the wait:

1. Run your own #BeBoldForChange IWD campaign

One of the most powerful ways you can influence how quickly gender parity is achieved is through championing a #BeBoldForChange campaign within your own organization:

CALL FOR ACTION: ask friends and colleagues what bold actions the're taking to help drive gender parity (e.g. take a junior woman to a client or sales meeting; challenge organizers of all-male speaking panels; launch a purposeful female-focused initiative; educate boys about stereotypes and violence against women; nominate women for senior jobs; donate time to a female-focused charity; mentor a woman; form a support network; etc)

2. Host a #BeBoldForChange IWD event

Coordinating an IWD event? Invite your speaker/s to articulate and explain that exact moment when they themselves took bold action to help improve or develop an aspect of their own livelihood, career or business - or that of another woman's, or women's status overall:

what was their bold moment?

how did they do it?

what motivated them?

what difference did they make?

how can others learn from this?

Host a proactive discussion regarding:

what constitutes "bold" action?

what conditions are necessary to enable "bold" action?

what are the consequences of "bold" action?

what are some examples of "bold" action already taken in your context?

Build a "Bold Actions" wall:

get colleagues to commit to action

post their actions on a "Bold Actions" wall

photograph the "Bold Actions" wall

share via social media

Ask the audience to declare bold action via their smart phones:

send your audience to the IWD "Bold Actions" declaration page

OR use the #BeBoldForChange widget to send the audience to your website's "Bold Actions" declaration page. Show and share results real-time, if desired.

Watch purposeful IWD videos at your event:

preview which of these phenomenal IWD videos speak most toyour audience, and which ones reinforce and support your own direction

3. Social share your support

Social share your bold actions and support by downloading and printing the #BeBoldForChange selfie card. Co-branding is welcome. Promote your support for bold action via social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube, etc) using the "hands in" visual concept.

4. Secure executive statements of support

Submit an approved and authorised #BeBoldForChange statement of support from your leaders (celebrities, corporate chairpersons and CEOs, government officials, charity heads, business and community leaders) - for possible promotion and amplification via the IWD website and social media channel. Statements are short declarations regarding bold action to actively support the advancement of women. Statements may be either straight text (with image), visual collateral, short videos, social media posts, etc). The deadline for Support Statements is ongoing, but received earliest any time from now is preferred. Ideally max. 150 - 200 words for text statements. See an example from Richard Branson's support from last year, or EY global chairman Mark Weinberger's support or Catalyst's president & CEO Deborah Gilles' statement or more here.

5. Download the IWD logo

6. Embed the #BeBoldForChange widget

Embed the #BeBoldForChange widget on your own website and/or intranet by accessing the embed code and calling for your friends and/or colleagues to declare their bold action.

7. Watch and show IWD videos

Many individuals, groups, companies and associations provide purposeful videos that push the gender agenda conversation further. View IWD's excellent range of video resources that are available to support your own IWD activity. You can also contribute an IWD video for potential inclusion on the IWD website.

8. Access gender diversity resources from leading organizations

Access useful and informative gender diversity resources provided by leading, reputable organizations from across the world that work to advance women. Use these resources to guide your company's journey towards gender parity or submit resources for consideration.

10. Submit coverage of your IWD activity

Submit engaging images, videos or articles that show the success of your IWD activity, with a view to possible promotion and amplification via the IWD website - in addition to your own social sharing of these items.

March is Women's History Month. And even if we're halfway through, our advocacy to reach more people and act with passion to encourage other women won't fade.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from BOTM. I received free books as a compensation for this post and if ever you subscribe to them via my tracking link, I get commission at no extra cost to you. And believe me when I say, I’m actually going to subscribe to them even without their sponsorship because that’s how highly I believe in their services. I fell in love in a heartbeat. They sure know how to identify a book lover when they see one.

“A writer has to have an imagination- that’s what makes a writer. She has to be able to put herself imaginatively in the position of whatever character she selects.”
― Wyketha K Parkman

Even when I agree to this quote, I think the best tool a writer should have is his/her ability to read. Because that’s how we are able to put ourselves imaginatively in the position of all characters in a book. It is when we read that we gain more knowledge of something that we don’t know, or find words for things that we are already familiar with but struggle to sort it out in our head. I am a true-blue book lover. Even when I can’t find time to read, I somehow manage to transform my phone into a reading machine. Technology, however, has a way of stealing important things that a book offers- the scent of printed ink overwhelming your lungs, the feel of paper when you turn a page, the search for a position where your hands become one with the book. That’s why when I heard about book subscription service like what Book Of The Month offers, I was like, HERE! TAKE MY MONEY!

Why subscribe when you can just buy a book?

Eliminate the sorting struggle.

When you buy a book, say you go to a book store, it takes a lot of time for you to pick one. You read synopsis after synopsis and before you know it, you’ve lost track of time and you’re just gonna end up buying the last one you’ve laid your eyes on. It’s all drowning in love but when reality tells you that it’s time for you to get out of the book store, there is always a tug of regret not having all the time in the world to choose what book really speaks to you.

2. Convenience.

If you’re a workaholic like me, you don’t really have the luxury of time to go to a local book store. I bet the closest book store that you have been in a while is the grocery store, which by the way, has a limited books selection. They usually showcase pieces that are way too mainstream. And it makes you cringe because other writers need some loving, too, and you know it! Nothing beats a special box right at your doorstep, and being hypnotized to open it right there and then.

3. Options, options, options.

The thing about subscription services is its algorithm of offering you the best read that is perfect for what you are looking for. You love a certain genre? They got you! Book subscription is a great deal for readers who want to explore a certain genre but don’t know where to start. In a pool of great authors, BOTM can do the dirty work for you. No hassle!

4. Exclusivity.

It does make you special being included in 90 years of literary heritage. Yes. You read that right. 90 YEARS. Aside from that, they give premium services to their members. Like what, you ask? Like EARLY BOOK RELEASE!!! If you go to BOTM’s website, Marlena by Julie Buntin is already available to BOTM members (in fact, I already have it) WHILE the rest of the world has to wait until April. Talk about special treatment, right?

5. Great selections.

I know the feeling of being hesitant to something you don’t know. What if you don’t like the book? What if it’s not your “type?” I assure you one thing: BOTM members are readers, too. And just like you, they want the best of the best. Most of the book choices in their subscription list are highly rated and loved. And don’t worry, you’ll have your say which book to receive for every month.

6. Ace that book challenge.

Three books for one month will be easy peasy. Yours will be lined up and ready to go. You know what to read, when to read them, and not be late with book discussions and latest authors’ debut. Isn’t it amazing to be relevant to the thing you love most? And book challenges won’t intimidate you anymore because YOU are actually IN YOUR ZONE! Reading is your turf. You’re gonna beat this.

7. Your voice matters.

Every year, members vote for the best books of the year. Why is your voice heard? Because YOU HAVE THE CHANCE to pick which book gets noticed in those mainstream shelves. Have you ever wondered who decides whose debut work is a success? Let’s face it, most of the reading class will choose a known author over a starting one, especially if you don’t know a thing about that author or about that book. But by having nominations like this, you’ll get an idea what book ranks the highest among others.

8. Never miss out on great books!

BOTM has been around for a long, long, time. BOTM members introduced J.D. Salinger, Hemingway, and Mitchell to the world. They just relaunched ONLINE last year, and if you want to keep their legacy of helping us discover the best books of our time, join the club. Sign up here.

“Is there anything more satisfying than to keep abreast of the best new books of our time as they appear? In reading them, in enjoying them, in talking with others about them, we feel our day taking shape.”

—Book of the Month Club founding statement, 1926

How does it work?

I know you won’t sign up right away if you don’t know how it works. Because you are smart like that.

Three simple phrases: Awesome books. Better reading. Every month.

What you need to know:

You get one book every month from 5 GREAT selections of BOTM judges. You can choose which book to get. If ever you get curious who the judges are, THEY are professionals in their field. Some are news writers, celebrities, hosts, editors, YOU REALLY NEED TO CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE because they are all awesomeeee!

If you want to add a book, you pay additional $9.99. Due to their great selections, I bet you’ll pay for more. Don’t worry. It’s FREE SHIPPING.

If ever you don’t feel like buying one from their great selections, you can skip any month. No hassle of unsubscribing. Because they know you’ll go back for more.

Say you come across a book that your friend will love, YOU CAN OPT TO GIVE IT AS A GIFT! No stress of wrapping it because they’re gonna make sure it will be delivered in a special way, just like how you’d want it to be.

PLUS you get an exclusive review from one of their judges. What if you receive a review from a news anchor that you love or a writer that you’re dying to see? What a BONUS right?! And it makes a great bookmark, too!

“A BOOK IS A DREAM YOU HOLD IN YOUR HAND”

Neil Gaiman got it right. BOTM is always on the lookout for the next great read – well-written, immersive stories that transport you, give you thrills, and tug at your heartstrings. Books that are truly worth reading.

New Orleanians call it the"Greatest Free Show on Earth."
Let me tell you why.

This post is a little bit late for 2017. But YOU NEED to bookmark this for NEXT YEAR or for NEXT FESTIVAL. Because MARDI GRAS in NEW ORLEANS is like no other! If you love food, colors, culture, and music, there's no other place to go. New Orleans is known for its incredible weave of everything. Bring your camera and whole bucket of fun vibes, and I promise you, it won't disappoint.

Why New Orleans? Because COOL and CREATIVE people build their empire here! There are places that are amazing only because they are aesthetically pretty and commercialized. I'm not saying the city is not pretty and commercialized BUT New Orleans is more than that. It will make you experience things; it will make you understand people in a revealing and colorful way. The attitude of locals here is just intense and you'll never get accustomed to their brand of humor and unique perspective.

1. You'll be stunned by its rich history and culture.

You know those people who barely talk at first and watch you like you're one of the bad guys? I am one of those people. Going to New Orleans, I expected to see an ordinary parade, you know, with prismatic floats and costumes, loud music and a lot of drunk people. OK, while some of these things are true, it is undeserving for NOLA to be treated like a gossip. First off, Mardi Gras is a Christian and historical event and is mainly targeted to family and deeply rooted tribes of the place. It may look like a wild ride to you (eating nonstop, getting drunk, excessive show off, and the like) for it to be a Christian parade but if you go back to its history, you'll be amazed on how it distinguishes itself as a celebration of freedom and unity.

Let's have a fast information exchange here first: According to historians, Mardi Gras also known as Fat Tuesday dates back thousands of years to pagan hullabaloo of spring and fertility. It is during that time when Christianity arrived in Rome that religious leaders decided to incorporate popular local traditions into the new faith. They thought, it is an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The word “carnival,” another common name for the pre-Lenten festivities, may also derive from this vegetarian-unfriendly custom: in Medieval Latin, carnelevarium means to take away or remove meat. Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England. (source)

Now, you'll think HOW the heck did Mardi Gras end up in New Orleans?

It is quite simple actually. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. In the decades that followed, New Orleans and other French settlements began marking the holiday with street parties, masked balls and lavish dinners. When the Spanish took control of New Orleans, however, they abolished these rowdy rituals, and the bans remained in force until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812.

How it came back was a pretty interesting story. On Mardi Gras in 1827, a group of students donned colorful costumes and danced through the streets of New Orleans, emulating the revelry they’d observed while visiting Paris. Ten years later, the first recorded New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place, a tradition that continues to this day. In 1857, a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the tone for future public celebrations in the city. Since then, krewes have remained a fixture of the Carnival scene throughout Louisiana. Other lasting customs include throwing beads and other trinkets, wearing masks, decorating floats and eating King Cake. (source)

2. It's not just parade of colors. It is PEOPLE exhibit as well.

I must admit, it was knotty impression at first. I don't know if it's their accent or their language. They just talk funny and they know it. We were checking in when I heard a lady yelled outside the entrance saying something I couldn't understand. All I know was... I looked confused. I honestly thought she was speaking in European language or something. Wait, is that French? I saw the receptionist in my peripheral view---smiling, as if witnessing another common "tourist" bewilderment. I get it. Although this whole thing was new to me, to her, I'm just a temporary face in the crowd. The whole situation was a normal scene.

Again, this has something to do with their peculiar history. New Orleans is said to be the place where Africans, both slave and free, and American Indians shared their cultures and intermingled with European settlers. Encouraged by the French government, this strategy for producing a durable culture in a difficult place marked New Orleans as different and special from its inception and continues to distinguish this city today.

When we were looking for parking (God knows we had a really difficult time looking for one BUT IT IS WORTH the struggle!), I was surprised to see such a melange of people tirelessly walking around, wearing shiny beads and eye candy costumes. They were everywhere! The streets were filled with laughter and music. Some people opted to eat their festive food at the comfort of their balcony while others savored finger food offered by stalls along the sidewalks. I love how the community is so involved with the parade. From local dancers and musicians to their families and friends cheering for them.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is for all age groups, too! You will see young children in their splashy face paints and glittery hairs. And don't even think for a second that old people are going to miss the fun because most of them rocked their costumes like a boss!

3. No matter where you are in the world, whoever you are, whatever your trip in life is, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

If you're going to New Orleans to witness Mardi Gras, you're in for a PARTY you'll never forget. Carnival in New Orleans is something that needs to be truly experienced. I tell you, ogling at photos isn't enough! THE VIBE IS JUST INTENSE! Oh wait, did I mention IT IS LEGAL here to drink outdoors? Only in Louisiana! How cool is that? But I need to warn you on this- IT IS A MARATHON, not a sprint. You have to pace yourself when drinking. It gets pretty humid in summer; it's better to have water in hand. Party goers, put New Orleans Mardi Gras in your bucketlist! You sure are gonna thank me after.

Free stuff flying in the air, dancing drummers, and elaborate performances? KIDS love Mardi Gras! And yes, there are children in the streets. It's one of the common misconceptions that Mardi Gras is like an adult celebration. IT IS NOT! For most locals, it is a family tradition. Many of these children arrive with their families and a Mardi Gras ladder, which is a contraption that is essentially a wooden seat nailed to a stepladder, so that the kiddies can see over parade-goers and hopefully catch some cool stuff. Be sure to watch out for these tiny humans when aiming for your beads. Many unfortunate paws have been stomped in the process. Same tip applies to you. Don't say I didn't warn yah.

You love music? For the record, you'll be in the most musical city on earth! Who ever thought of a party without catchy music? You're right, no one. Here, grannies dance. Kids dance. Store owners dance. Police officers dance. When you go to see a show in NOLA, feel free to move and not just stand there like a terrified corpse. Be one with the crowd, and you'll see yourself in a better hue. There's something about the event that speaks to your soul. Whenever you look around, you feel the city's soul. It is alive. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is unbelievably breathtaking.

Definitely one for the books!

Photos taken during Mardi Gras in New Orleans

"It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans." — Mark Twain

If you're planning to go to New Orleans, let me know in the comments!

Meet the curator

Hi! I'm Gelli, a cardiac travel nurse who loves to create stories and connect constellations in her head. Join me and my kitty, Pumpkin, as we blog about our adventures and misadventures, and irregular quest for all things wonderful.

Join our 15k+ subscribers

Pin with 1.3k+ followers!

Hi! I'm Gelli, a cardiac travel nurse who loves to create stories and connect constellations in her head. Join me and my kitty, Pumpkin, as we blog about our adventures and misadventures, and irregular quest for all things wonderful.